Dark Stores

How do Dark Stores Work?

A dark store is generally a large warehouse that can either be used to facilitate a " click-and-collect" service, where a customer collects an item they have ordered online, or as an order fulfilment platform for online sales. Not open to the public, the interior of a dark supermarket may appear like a conventional supermarket, set out with aisles of shelves containing groceries and other retail items.

The recent on-demand delivery surge has prompted many companies to locate their dark stores as close to customers as they can. This allows for ultra-fast delivery but generally means smaller SKU counts and repurposed real-estate. These micro dark stores can be found in unused parking structures and office spaces. Due to their unique real estate demands, Lowe Rental’s flexible equipment and payment options allow for easy, turnkey setup of one of the most important elements of these locations: Refrigeration capacity.

Our Journey so far... 

It started in the bustling aisles of exhibition halls, it grew within packed balustrades at crowd-pleasing events.  It really gained momentum in the food and beverage aisles of multinational retailers, and now it garners new attention within the fast food take-out and instant grocery delivery space. 

Proud of what we’ve achieved, excited for what’s to come.